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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USMCanonEF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016June 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm24 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsEleven elements in nine groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsGlass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven-blade circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°84° diagonal, 74° horizontal and 53° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLR cameras according to Canon UK
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are available–
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptorEOS M compatibility with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor according to Canon UK
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.23×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UK's specification page; Canon Camera Museum instead describes micro USM
Focus distance detail–Constant physical length and non-rotating filter during focusing according to Photozone
Magnification detailAt 35 mm, EF12 II gives 0.65×–0.36× and EF25 II gives 1.14×–0.80×; both tubes are incompatible at 16 mm0.23× native; 0.62–0.43× with Extension Tube EF12 II and 1.13–0.95× with EF25 II according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical stabilisation claimed by Canon UK
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm68.4 mm
Length127.5 mm55.7 mm
Weight790 g280 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field scale
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusing–
Filter detailOne front filter may be fitted; the manual specifies the 82 mm Canon PL-C B polariser and removing the hood for adjustment–
Weather resistanceSealed construction and rubber mount ring; the manual recommends an 82 mm Canon PROTECT filter for best dust and water resistanceNo weather sealing according to both independent exact-model reviews
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm68.4 mm maximum diameter × 55.7 mm length and 280 g according to Canon UK; dimensions in retracted state
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional EW-65B; Canon UK's box list excludes a hood
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-58U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records June 2012 marketing and explicitly names the November 1988 EF 24mm f/2.8 as its predecessor

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